A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Moving Checklist for Concord

Moving can actually be simple, and it feels much smoother when you plan ahead. At Carey Moving and Storage, our team has assisted countless Concord customers with moving since 1907. Now we’re sharing some of that experience with you, by way of this comprehensive moving checklist. We hope this makes your next move easier than ever.

8 Weeks Before Moving

Organizing Important Documents

• Create a digital or paper folder to keep all your moving-related documents in one place
• Include your rental agreement, purchase contract, new insurance policies, and moving company contract
• Keep track of all receipts, bills, and expenses in one location
• File your mail-forwarding details and phone lists
• Make backup scans of crucial documents, just in case

Get Rid of What You Don’t Need

• Started a keep pile
• Decide what to sell and put up ads or schedule a sale
• Ordered dumpster or identified drop off place
• Label your stuff by what stays, goes, or gets tossed

Donation Pickups

• Select gently used things for charity
• Arrange logistics for charitable drop-offs or pickups
• Organize donations so they’re easy to find on pickup day
• Share useful items with your social circle

Selling Unwanted Items

• Try selling extras through digital marketplaces
• Use good images and descriptions to attract buyers
• Pick a date and set up for a garage or yard sale
• Gather price tags, tables, and small bills for making change

Keep Crucial Papers to Keep Close

• Track down any official paperwork you’ll need
• Put together all legal and financial docs
• Choose a protective option for sensitive papers
• Place all important documents together in a secure, easy-to-find spot

Inventory and Special Care Items

• Create an inventory of your possessions
• Identify and note items that need special care (fragile, valuable, antiques, electronics)
• Spot which things might need more padding or special instructions

Photos for Insurance

• Take clear photos of high-value items
• Save images to the cloud for insurance and condition records
• Store photos in a secure digital folder or print copies for reference

Using Up Restricted Items

• Start eating any perishable food so it doesn't go to waste
• Get rid of paint, aerosols, and similar restricted items
• Set aside anything you're not allowed to move, and make a plan to dispose of it properly

Utility Arrangements

• List out contacts for all necessary utility services
• Double-check that services like gas or water are connected at the new home
• Schedule shut-off times for all outgoing utilities
• Book your start dates to avoid gaps in service
• Double-check your appointments and keep a list of confirmation numbers, just in case

Handling Secure Storage Before the Move

• Arrange to clear your safe deposit box if your moving long-distance
• Pick a day to clear out any storage unit rentals
• Set up a time to visit the bank or storage facility
• Figure out how you'll safely move any valuables or important documents
• Do a final check to make sure nothing gets left behind in storage

Updating Your Mailing Info

• File a change of address form to reroute your mail
• Notify all your financial and service providers about your new address

Sharing Your Move with Schools and Doctors

• Give notice to your children’s school and all your healthcare providers
• Arrange for academic and medical records to move with you

Preparing for Smooth Travel with Children and Animals

• Have a kit with treats, toys, and necessities ready to go
• Prepare everything for their comfort and health
• Secure a spot with sitters or daycare and check timing
• Double-check that pets have updated ID tags and are microchipped with your new address

Time Off Work

• Request time off work for moving day, and for packing or unpacking if you think you'll need it
• Keep colleagues in the loop for smooth coverage
• Prepare auto-replies so contacts know you’re moving
• Complete time-sensitive projects ahead of schedule
• Book your internet installation in advance for remote work

Local Services

Organizing and Mapping Out Your Home

• Create a simple floor plan for your new home and decide where you want your furniture and large items to go
• Check the dimensions of entryways and stairs in advance
• Confirm room measurements to avoid placement problems
• Snap photos for easy reference when arranging furniture
• Mark boxes and items clearly to speed up delivery

Keeping Your Most Important Items Safe

• Gather up personal treasures and keep them separate
• Have a go-bag ready with the basics for your first night
• Carry important daily items in your pocket or purse
• Personally move anything that can’t be replaced

Managing Entry and Exit

• Collect all spare keys, garage door openers, and gate codes for both your old and new homes
• Keep keys and cards handy for a smooth move-in

Move-In/Move-Out Requirements for Apartment and Condo Residents

• Double-check with both your old and new buildings about any move-in or move-out requirements
• Verify if your movers must supply insurance paperwork
• Make arrangements for access to necessary moving facilities
• Double-check that all paperwork is done before your move
• Clarify when you’re allowed to move in or out

Making Sure Both Homes Are Clean

• Hire professionals to clean your old place post-move
• Make sure the new space is spotless for move-in day
• List which spots need extra care or deep cleaning
• Stock up on cleaners and set aside time for the job

Managing Storage Before and After Moving

• Book your time at the storage unit early
• Decide if you'll move those items yourself or have the movers handle it
• Organize everything in storage for fast loading
• Reserve your new unit and make sure you know when it’s open

Letting Others Know About Your Move

• Tell neighbors when you’ll be moving so they’re prepared
• Give them a heads-up if parking or shared spaces will be affected
• Thank them for their patience with any noise or inconvenience

Parking Permits/Street Reservations

• Check if you need a parking permit or street reservation for the moving truck at either location
• Talk to officials or property managers about permits
• Secure your parking area in advance with easy to see markers or cones

Managing Utility Shut-Off and Start-Up

• Double-check that all your utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet, trash) are scheduled to be turned off at your old place and turned on at your new one
• Contact providers ahead of time to coordinate changes in service

Keeping Important Items Safe

• Set aside items that you’ll carry yourself for added peace of mind
• Use sturdy boxes or bags for these items and keep them in a safe spot
• Clearly label these boxes or bags as "Do Not Move" so the movers know to leave them with you

Essentials Box/Bag

• Pack a box or bag with things you'll need right away at your new home-think toiletries, phone chargers, basic kitchen supplies, and a few days' worth of clothes
• Have your emergency kit or first-night bag within arm’s reach

Returning Borrowed Items

• Gather up anything you've borrowed from friends, neighbors, or the library
• Make sure no one is missing something you borrowed after you move

Arranging Medications for Your Move

• Call your pharmacy and arrange to have any prescriptions transferred to a pharmacy near your new home
• Make sure you have enough medication to last through the move, just in case there are any delays

Getting Appliances Ready for the Move

• Pull the plug on every major appliance before moving day
• Clear out any remaining items so nothing is left behind
• Sanitize interiors so your appliances stay odor-free
• Thaw freezers so water doesn't cause trouble in transit
• Dry the appliances completely before moving day

Finish Packing Non-Essentials

• Complete packing of items you're moving yourself that aren't needed daily
• Use sturdy boxes and label them clearly
• Wrap breakables securely to avoid damage
• Confirm all boxes are closed, taped, and good to go

Final Check-In with Your Movers

• Reach out to verify what time your movers will show up
• Go over details or unique needs with your crew
• Save phone numbers for quick communication

Prepare Moving Day Folder

• Bring together every moving-related document you’ll need
• Make sure keys and passes for every property are on hand
• Prepare a contact list in case you need quick support
• Use a labeled folder to keep everything in one place

Pack Suitcases with Essentials

• Pack a suitcase or overnight bag for each family member with enough clothes, pajamas, and toiletries for a few days
• Add comfort items, electronics, and quick-grab essentials to each bag

Set Aside Important Documents and Valuables

• Find and assemble all the documents you can’t afford to lose like passports and birth certificates
• Round up everything valuable or sentimental
• Carry sensitive items yourself for peace of mind

Last-Minute Purge

• Walk through the house to catch leftover clutter
• Dispose of, give away, or repurpose things you don’t need
• Check closets, drawers, and storage areas for forgotten things

Set Aside Cash for the Big Day

• Keep cash on hand for anything you might need quickly

Make Sure Caregivers Are Ready for Kid or Pets

• Double-check arrangements for child or pet care on moving day
• Confirm times, drop-off/pick-up details, and share your contact info with the caregiver

Prepare Garbage Cans for the Next Resident

• Empty and clean all trash cans, recycling bins, and outdoor containers
• Make sure nothing is left behind and everything is ready for the next resident

Make Sure Someone Is There to Welcome Movers or Installers

• Arrange for a helper to greet service providers and deliveries
• Enlist a backup to keep an eye on things if you’re busy

Safely Empty and Clean Out the Refrigerator

• Clear out perishables and leftovers completely
• Disconnect power and keep doors ajar to melt ice
• Make sure no moisture remains to avoid unpleasant smells

Get Washing Machine Ready

• Run a quick clean cycle or wipe down the inside of your washing machine
• Make sure it's completely dry to avoid any mildew
• If you have a front-loading washer, secure the drum with moving bolts to protect it during the move
• Allow extra time for remaining dampness to disappear

Closing Out Your Old Place

• Be on hand to provide instructions or guidance as needed
• Identify anything fragile or staying behind before loading begins

• Walk through each room with the movers as they take inventory of your belongings
• Make sure all your items are on the official moving inventory

• Make sure all boxes are clearly labeled with their destination rooms
• Observe the move-out process to prevent mistakes

• Do a final security sweep to close up the property
• Power down everything before you lock up

• Walk through all spaces to double-check for leftovers
• Peek in unlikely places for things you may have missed

• Organize keys and remotes for a smooth handover
• Write down any helpful tips or reminders for the new people

At Your New Home

• Show up early to prepare for unloading
• Check that spaces are clear and ready for move-in

• Mark rooms or label doors to speed up the process
• Put up temporary signs to help movers navigate

• As the movers bring things in, check off each item on your inventory list
• Quickly review each item for problems before accepting delivery

• Report any issues right away for proper claims
• Take photos of any damaged items for your records

• Test all major systems as soon as you move in
• Test major appliances like the stove, fridge, and washer/dryer to be sure they're running properly

• Save images so you can confirm usage later
• Save these photos for your records in case there are any billing questions later

• Think about rekeying or upgrading for your safety
• Get permission from the property manager before making changes

Start with Must-Have Items

• Get out your pillows, sheets, and daily supplies as a top priority
• Set up beds and make sure everyone has what they need for the first night

• If you arranged for the movers to help unpack, let them know which rooms or boxes to start with
• Explain exactly where to place your belongings as you unpack

• Flatten boxes and collect all packing materials
• See if your moving company can take the waste, or check for local recycling drop-offs

• Contact government offices to update your address on your driver’s license, car registration, and voter registration
• If you've moved to a new state or city, register your car as required by local laws
• Register pets with the appropriate local authorities

• Go out and make connections in your new nieghborhood
• Being welcoming can help you feel connected right away

• Post your thoughts online to assist other customers

• Keep all files together for future use or proof of expenses
• Keep paperwork in case you need to reference it later

• Set aside a go-bag with necessities you’ll want throughout the day
• Carry your essentials personally to avoid any last-minute scrambling

• Before unplugging your TV, computer, or entertainment center, take clear photos of the cable connections and setup
• Use these photos as a reference to quickly and correctly reconnect everything at your new home

• Set out bedding and basics so bedtime is easy
• Include anything you'll want for a comfortable first night—like favorite pillows or a nightlight for kids

• Make sure you keep receiving mail at your new address
• Let all your subscription providers know where to send things

• Research and save phone numbers you might need urgently
• Store emergency numbers on paper and electronically

Need Help With Your Concord Move?

When you're looking for reliable movers in Concord, Carey Moving and Storage is known for great service at prices that fit your budget.

• Trust – Relied on by countless Concord customers for since 1907
• Professionalism – Our trained professionals handle your belongings with care
• Affordable Results – We're dedicated to delivering a lower final bill!

Take the worry out of moving day – count on the professionals at Carey Moving and Storage to take care of every detail so you can start fresh. You’ll notice the difference in our dedication!

Get Your Free Concord Moving Quote or phone our team at 980-440-2278 to get started!